Superbowl Weekend

Saturday evening, we got the pleasure of attending my cousin Norma's 60th surprise birthday party in Kalamazoo. Norma is one of my first cousins on my dad's side! It was really nice to get together with that side of the family, b/c we don't get to see them very much.



Sunday, my parents were having their annual Superbowl party. This is a party that has been happening for the last 20 years with good family friends of ours who also had 4 kids. We decided not to go since we had had gone down to Kalamazoo the night before. This was the 1st year I was going to miss the party. Wellllllll, we got out of church at 1 and Brook said, "If we leave now, we could make it in time. You know it would mean a lot to your mom if we came." Why not? What's 2 hours in the car on a Sunday afternoon? (Oh, and another 2 Sunday night.)

So, we drove down and got there in time to enjoy a fabulous Mexican fiesta. (I am so hungry as I type this right now!) We then played BINGO. LOL, I know. But it's a tradition and we have to play and we get pretty darn serious about our BINGO. We are all Catholic, after all! I would've won the coverall (= $10), but I was helping Maria with her card and missed a number being called. That's what you get for helping people! Haha! :-)

The games then changed to LCR, one of the newer traditions of the party. I. LOVE. THIS. GAME. (Gosh, it really sounds like this is a GAMBLING party, not a Superbowl party, huh? LOL) At one point, I had 8 dollar bills and in the end (once again) was so close to winning, but (sigh) didn't.

Then, the REAL game began . . . I honestly didn't care who won, but decided to root for the Saints. And they won! It was a fun day and I'm glad we made the trip to be there.

Lookin' good in heels!

Peyton Manning would be proud! ;)

"The Grandpas" playing LCR

Reading at 1, what smart babies. Hahaha!

Go Saints! Woooo hoooooooo!

What a Lovable Face

Happy 1st birthday Julia Joanne!

Winter ONEderland

Last weekend, we celebrated Sophie's first brithday. Veronica planned a "Winter ONEderland" party and it was adorable! I tell you what, I never knew knew I could love a little one this much, until these rugrats were born. I can't imagine what it will be like to have kids of my own someday!

"I want my cake!!"

"Where'd my cake go?"

"Why do you get all the presents?"

"Hey Connor, leave my toy alone!"

I think this toy was the hit of the day!

Happy Birthday Baby!

My precious niece and god-daughter is one today! You are such a blessing to our family, Miss Sophie Mae, and I can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend!

Port Huron or Bust

A few weeks ago, I spent the weekend with Lisa, one of my very best friends from college. She was my roomie for 3 years, which means she has all the dirt on me! ;) Of course, I have some on her, as well! She recently got engaged and, since I hadn't met her fiance' yet, I had to make sure he was good enough for her. Not just anyone will do for my Lisa! :) We had such a great weekend together, catching up, talking about the wedding and making the rounds to see her family. Lisa is the volunteer coordinator for the local Habitat for Humanity and I got to go to work with her on Saturday. What a cool experience! They make such a difference in the community. I got to meet Dave, Lisa's fiance' (he passed with flying colors - GREAT guy! Can't wait to be in their wedding next year!) and I also got to meet little Eli. What a cutie! Lisa is definitely one of my "forever friends" and I'm grateful I got to spend the weekend with her.

Visiting one of the Habitat homes

New mommy and Eli

A surprise when I got home!

Where does the time go?

Last weekend, we all met at Mongolian BBQ in Okemos to celebrate Hannah, my "baby" sister, turning 18. The little girl who made me crafts in grade school and came to stay with me during sibs weekend at college has grown into a beautiful young woman. It makes me cry to think about it. (What doesn't make me cry, according to Veronica?) She truly has a heart for the Lord and longs to make a difference in this world. Her vigor for the unborn and helpless is quite an inspiration.

When thinking of Hannah, I can't help thinking of this verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11. As she graduates and heads to college in the fall, I am excited to see just what the Lord has in store for her. I know it is something amazing!

"Happy Birthday to you!"

(Great background, huh?!)

"Take a picture of my grouchy face." ~Maria

Sophie is such a poser!

Christmas Recap

Hard to believe Christmas 2009 has come and gone! Our first Christmas together! The holidays were a great reminder of just how blessed we are. Everyone's generosity and hospitality were overwhelming! The 23rd-25th were extremely busy for us . . . making the rounds to our friends and relatives around the state. Tis the season, right? I don't know about you, but sometimes it is easy for me to forget what we are really celebrating with so much going on. Next Christmas, I have vowed not to let this happen . . . somehow . . .

I would write about all the details, but how about some pictures instead?

Here are a hodge-podge of images from our whirlwind holiday . . .

Christmas Eve at . . .

the Gaston's

then Gma Bisonet's,

then Uncle Jeff's,

then "midnight" Mass

(Phew!!)

Bobbsey Twins

SOOO excited!

Christmas morning at my parents'

Christmas dinner and gifts at Brook's parents'